Invest ideasNews
9 Feb 2026, 08:33
G42 to invest $1B in AI data center expansion in Vietnam
Group 42 Holding Ltd, an Emirati artificial intelligence (AI) development holding company doing business as G42, is leading a $1 billion initiative to establish data centers and cloud computing services in Vietnam. This project is part of the United Arab Emirates’ broader plan to intensify its AI efforts amid stiffening competition in the AI ecosystem. In a statement published on Monday, February 9, the firm pointed out that this initiative will take place under the partnership of G42, FPT Corp., a tech and telecom company, and the Viet Thai Group. This was after the team signed an agreement in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to construct three data centers in the country, committing to $1 billion in consumption. Officials said this infrastructure will support Vietnam’s broader digital agenda, including government digital transformation projects, AI‑enabled industrial automation, local cloud adoption, and data sovereignty goals. Complementary efforts will also include national AI-skilling and workforce development programs designed to expand local talent in AI, cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and advanced computing. Nonetheless, despite the collaboration being made public, sources noted that G42 failed to disclose specific information on the investment amounts, the project timeline for finalization, or the computing power to be made available. Vietnam solidifies its position as a tech hub in the region G42’s recent announcement reflects a growing trend in which several investors are allocating a significant portion of their funds to enhance AI infrastructure across Southeast Asia amid substantial expansion potential. However, while the region drew the attention of several individuals, reports highlighted that some people raised concerns about challenges in Southeast Asia, such as power shortages and limited land. These concerns were raised after protesters assembled at a Malaysian data center construction site to complain about dust pollution and its impacts on water resources. Meanwhile, concerning the $1 billion data center project in Vietnam, Ali Al Amine, Chief Commercial Officer of G42 International noted that, “This Framework Agreement introduces a new approach for national AI transformation, focusing on sovereignty, collaboration, and purpose,” further stating that, “We appreciate the visionary leadership of the Government of Vietnam and thank our partners, FPT Corporation and Viet Thai Group, for their dedication to developing infrastructure that allows Vietnam to fully utilize AI while ensuring data sovereignty and digital independence.” At this particular moment, Dr. Truong Gia Binh, the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of the Vietnamese technology company FPT Group, decided to weigh in on the matter. He began by acknowledging that Vietnam cannot make significant progress on its own, especially in key sectors such as AI, cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity. This, therefore, underscores the importance of strategic partnership. With the collaboration of G42, FPT Corp., a tech and telecom company, and the Viet Thai Group, industry executives have illustrated strong dedication and developed mutual trust, signaling the initiation of these commitments into action, the CEO asserted. Notably, this project is anticipated to have significant economic effects in Vietnam by creating job opportunities, encouraging direct investment in infrastructure, and positioning the country as a leading tech hub in the region. G42’s decision to sell off its Chinese assets Earlier, G42 was subjected to a thorough investigation in the US regarding prior deals with startups based in China and Huawei Technologies Co. , a Chinese multinational corporation and technology company. Given these strict measures in place, G42 publicly stated that it has no involvement in Chinese assets, having sold them all and begun supporting US President Donald Trump’s efforts to export American AI chips, software, and models to diminish overall growth in China. In the meantime, the company launched a framework for Digital Embassies during the World Economic Forum held earlier this year. The newly released framework permits other firms to establish and manage computing services in foreign territory. In addition, the system will ensure other nations have full legal authority over AI models and data evaluated in the United Arab Emirates. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
9 Feb 2026, 08:30
Tether Accelerates Global Expansion With Hiring and Investments
These plans are supported by the rising adoption of its USDT, whose market capitalization increased to around $185 billion. The company is reinvesting profits into hiring, technology development, and strategic investments across multiple sectors while seeking regulatory footholds outside the United States. In contrast, Block, led by Jack Dorsey, is preparing to cut up to 10% of its staff as part of its ongoing restructuring. This will be its third round of layoffs in two years. Tether Expands Hiring and Investments Tether, the company behind the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, is accelerating its broad global expansion. According to a report by the Financial Times, the stablecoin issuer quietly scaled its workforce to around 300 employees and plans to add roughly 150 more over the next 18 months, with a strong emphasis on engineering talent. The hiring push forms part of Tether’s ambition to expand well beyond its original role as a stablecoin issuer. While engineers are a top priority, the company is also recruiting for specialized non-technical roles across multiple jurisdictions. Job listings show openings for AI filmmakers in Italy, venture associates in the United Arab Emirates, and regulatory specialists in Ghana and Brazil. This growth has been fueled by the continued rise in USDT adoption. Tether’s flagship stablecoin saw its market capitalization climb to approximately $185 billion , up from around $140 billion a year earlier. The expansion in supply translated into rising profits, giving Tether more financial flexibility to pursue long-term investments and infrastructure development. At a recent conference in San Salvador, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino outlined a sweeping vision for what he described as a “freedom tech stack,” spanning finance, communications, artificial intelligence, and energy. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino So far, the company has deployed capital into sectors ranging from South American agriculture to European sports, including a stake in Italian football club Juventus . It also backed technology-focused ventures in robotics, satellite infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. One of its biggest bets was a roughly $775 million investment in Rumble, a YouTube alternative that last month launched a non-custodial crypto wallet integrated directly into its video streaming platform. The expansion comes at a time of intensifying competition and regulatory scrutiny. Rival stablecoin issuer Circle went public last year, increasing pressure on Tether to ramp up scale, resilience, and transparency. At the same time, regulators globally are working on stablecoin reserve practices and compliance standards. Tether also wants to establish regulatory footholds outside the United States, including within the Abu Dhabi Global Market, as it navigates a fragmented global regulatory landscape. Block Plans New Round of Layoffs On the other hand, the fintech group led by Jack Dorsey. Block Inc., is preparing to reduce its workforce by as much as 10% as part of its restructuring effort. The planned job cuts were reported by Bloomberg on Saturday. According to the report, the reductions are taking place across multiple teams and are tied to year-end performance evaluations that are expected to continue through late February. If carried out in full, the move would be the company’s third major round of layoffs in roughly two years. Block eliminated 931 roles in March of 2025 and cut around 1,000 positions earlier, in January of 2024. Block has been reshaping its business since 2024 to more closely integrate Cash App with Square while reallocating resources toward newer initiatives. In November 2024, the company said it will prioritize Bitcoin mining activities and wind down its decentralized technology unit, TBD. Around the same time, it scaled back investments in music streaming platform Tidal and laid off staff tied to both operations. The company has also been developing an in-house AI productivity tool known as Goose. At its investor day in November 2025, Block shared a three-year financial framework that targets mid-teens annual gross profit growth through 2028 and projected $11.98 billion in gross profit for 2026. Management also announced a $5 billion expansion of its share repurchase program, which lifted shares by about 8% at the time. However, earnings results have been mixed. While Block beat expectations in the second quarter with 14% year-over-year gross profit growth, it fell short in the third quarter on both revenue and adjusted earnings per share, triggering a sharp after-hours sell-off. Block’s shares are down roughly 37% over the past year and about 13% year to date, despite a nearly 5% gain in Friday’s session that saw the stock close at $55.97. The layoffs also come during a broader wave of corporate job cuts, with US employers announcing more than 108,000 layoffs in January, the highest January total since 2009.
9 Feb 2026, 07:37
CoinShares says quantum computing threat to Bitcoin remains years away
Digital asset manager CoinShares says quantum computing is not an immediate threat to Bitcoin, with only a small share of Bitcoin realistically exposed to a theoretical quantum attack. The firm argues that current machines are far too weak to break core cryptography and that the network has time to adapt. The research, led by CoinShares Bitcoin research head Christopher Bendiksen, estimates that while a pool of older addresses exposes public keys, the number of coins that could be seized and sold quickly is limited, and any attack would not change Bitcoin’s supply cap or proof-of-work. Limited exposure to quantum attacks According to a CoinShares research note, “Bitcoin’s quantum vulnerability is not an immediate crisis but a foreseeable engineering consideration, with ample time for adaptation.” The firm argues that while quantum algorithms could eventually threaten signatures or hashing, today’s capabilities fall far short of a practical danger. CoinShares frames the issue as a process question rather than an emergency. The network has clear upgrade paths if risks materialize, and any changes should be weighed against fundamentals rather than speculative worst-case scenarios. CoinShares estimates about 1.7 million BTC, roughly 8% of supply, sit in legacy pay-to-public-key (P2PK) addresses where public keys are exposed. Bendiksen analyzed a similar pool of about 1.63 million BTC and argued that just 10,230 BTC in that set sit in larger wallets that are actually worth attacking. He said a little over 7,000 BTC are in addresses holding 100 to 1,000 BTC, and roughly 3,230 BTC are in addresses with 1,000 to 10,000 BTC, together equating to $719.1 million at current prices. Bendiksen added that such a sale could “resemble a routine trade.” The remaining 1.62 million BTC in that pool are spread across wallets holding under 100 BTC. Bendiksen claimed each would take a millennium to unlock even in the “most outlandishly optimistic” quantum advancement scenario, and CoinShares separately argued that at most around 10,000 BTC could realistically be compromised and sold suddenly. Technology still far from practical risk CoinShares attributes the theoretical risk to algorithms such as Shor’s, which could break elliptic-curve signatures, and Grover’s, which could weaken SHA-256. However, the firm stresses that neither could alter Bitcoin’s 21 million supply cap or bypass proof-of-work. Breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography would require machines with millions of fault-tolerant qubits, far beyond the 105 qubits reported for Google’s latest quantum computer, Willow. Researchers estimate that even the most advanced systems are 10 to 100,000 times too weak, pushing meaningful risk into the 2030s or later, and attacking live transactions would require near-instant computation that is not feasible today. As Bendiksen put it, “Recent advancements, including demonstrations by Google and others, represent progress but fall short of the scale needed for real-world attacks on Bitcoin.” Debate over future upgrades The at-risk coins are unspent transaction outputs tied to addresses with visible keys, many dating back to the Satoshi era. This has sparked debate over whether to implement a quantum-resistant hard fork now or wait. Some, including Strategy’s (formerly known as MicroStrategy) Michael Saylor and Blockstream CEO Adam Back, argue the threat is overblown and unlikely to disrupt the network for decades, a view Bendiksen shares. Others, such as Capriole Investments’ Charles Edwards, see an “existential threat” and say an upgrade now could strengthen security and even lead to a repricing once a solution is in place, with proposals like post-quantum signatures discussed by researchers such as Blockstream’s Jonas Nick. CoinShares cautions that aggressive fixes can introduce risks ranging from software bugs to forced assumptions about dormant coins, potentially eroding Bitcoin’s neutrality. The firm favors gradual, voluntary migration as the pragmatic path. The post CoinShares says quantum computing threat to Bitcoin remains years away appeared first on Invezz
9 Feb 2026, 02:00
Tether Hiring 150 Staff in Bold Expansion as Stablecoin Giant Diversifies Portfolio
BitcoinWorld Tether Hiring 150 Staff in Bold Expansion as Stablecoin Giant Diversifies Portfolio In a significant move signaling aggressive growth, Tether Holdings Ltd., the issuer of the world’s dominant stablecoin USDT, has announced plans to hire 150 additional employees over the next 18 months. This strategic expansion, reported by the Financial Times, follows a recent increase that brought its total headcount to 300. Consequently, the company aims to build a workforce of approximately 450 professionals by mid-2026, fundamentally reshaping its operational capacity and strategic direction beyond its core stablecoin business. Tether Hiring Strategy Reveals Ambitious Diversification Plans The planned hiring spree provides a clear window into Tether’s evolving corporate strategy. While engineering roles remain a primary focus to bolster its blockchain infrastructure and USDT’s technical robustness, the recruitment drive reveals a much broader ambition. The company is actively seeking talent in unconventional areas for a financial technology firm, including AI filmmakers, venture capital analysts, and regulatory experts . This eclectic mix of roles underscores Tether’s transition from a single-product company to a multifaceted investment and technology conglomerate. Furthermore, this expansion directly supports the management of its sprawling investment portfolio, which now encompasses approximately 140 companies across disparate sectors. Decoding Tether’s Expansive and Unconventional Investment Portfolio Tether’s investment strategy has consistently defied traditional expectations. The company’s portfolio, valued in the billions, stretches far beyond digital assets and technology startups. Notably, it includes strategic stakes in agricultural firms across South America , investments in renewable energy initiatives, and even ownership of a minority stake in the Italian Serie B soccer club, Napoli Football Club . This diversified approach appears designed to hedge against crypto market volatility by anchoring value in real-world, revenue-generating assets. Moreover, these investments generate yield that can theoretically support the stability of USDT’s peg, although the company maintains these are separate from its reserve management. Expert Analysis on Workforce Expansion in Crypto Industry analysts view this hiring plan as a critical inflection point. “A company’s hiring patterns are a leading indicator of its strategic priorities,” notes a fintech recruitment specialist who requested anonymity. “Tether’s move to bring on AI filmmakers and VC analysts isn’t about supporting USDT transactions; it’s about building entirely new business verticals. This suggests a long-term vision where the stablecoin is the foundation, not the entire structure.” The push for regulatory experts is particularly telling, indicating a proactive stance towards upcoming global frameworks for stablecoins and digital assets, a necessity for a firm of its scale and scrutiny. The Competitive Landscape and Market Impact of USDT Growth Tether’s expansion occurs within a fiercely competitive stablecoin market. Rivals like Circle (USDC) and Paxos (BUSD) have traditionally emphasized transparency and regulatory compliance. Tether’s massive hiring initiative, especially in engineering, aims to close any perceived technical gaps while its diversified investments build a unique moat. The growth of its team also enhances its ability to integrate USDT across more payment systems, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, and traditional financial rails. Ultimately, a larger, more skilled workforce could improve operational resilience and user trust, which are paramount for maintaining USDT’s staggering ~$110 billion market capitalization. Timeline and Real-World Context of Tether’s Evolution Tether’s journey from a controversial startup to a hiring powerhouse reflects the broader maturation of the cryptocurrency sector. Following increased regulatory scrutiny and a 2021 settlement with the New York Attorney General, the company began publishing more detailed reserve reports. The subsequent period saw a dramatic expansion of its non-crypto investments. The current hiring plan, spanning the next 18 months, represents the most concrete step yet in institutionalizing these diversified operations. This timeline aligns with anticipated regulatory clarity in key markets like the EU (MiCA) and the United States, suggesting prepared readiness. Conclusion The plan for Tether hiring 150 new staff members is a definitive signal of the company’s ambitious second act. Moving beyond its foundational role in the crypto economy, Tether is constructing a complex, diversified holding company with interests spanning artificial intelligence, media, venture capital, and tangible global assets. This strategic expansion, fueled by a significant increase in human capital, aims to future-proof the organization, mitigate sector-specific risks, and solidify USDT’s position. The success of this bold transformation will be a key narrative to watch in the evolving digital asset landscape of 2025 and beyond. FAQs Q1: How many people does Tether plan to hire? A1: Tether plans to hire 150 additional employees over the next 18 months, which will expand its total workforce from 300 to approximately 450 people. Q2: What kinds of jobs is Tether hiring for? A2: While hiring many engineers, Tether is also recruiting for unique roles like AI filmmakers, venture capital analysts, and regulatory experts, indicating a broad diversification strategy. Q3: Why does Tether invest in things like farms and soccer clubs? A3: Tether’s investment portfolio, including agricultural firms and an Italian soccer club, is part of a strategy to diversify its holdings into real-world, revenue-generating assets separate from its stablecoin reserves. Q4: How does this hiring affect USDT stability? A4: A larger team, especially in engineering and compliance, can enhance the technical security and regulatory standing of USDT, potentially bolstering long-term confidence in the stablecoin’s peg to the US dollar. Q5: Is Tether’s expansion a common trend in crypto? A5: While many crypto firms are hiring, Tether’s scale and the specific diversity of its new roles are unusual, reflecting its unique position as a highly profitable entity branching out from its core product. This post Tether Hiring 150 Staff in Bold Expansion as Stablecoin Giant Diversifies Portfolio first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
9 Feb 2026, 01:01
Why Quantum Computing Isn’t a Serious Risk for Bitcoin Yet: CoinShares
New research says today’s quantum computers are far too weak to threaten Bitcoin’s cryptography, leaving the network years to prepare.
8 Feb 2026, 20:30
Musk and Hoffman are weaponizing Epstein files against each other
Elon Musk and Reid Hoffman are pointing fingers at each other over connections to Jeffrey Epstein, but newly released government files show neither has clean hands. Two of Silicon Valley’s biggest names, once colleagues in the tech world’s so-called PayPal Mafia, have spent recent days attacking one another on social media about their links to the convicted sex offender. The problem? Both men had more contact with Epstein than they previously admitted. The Justice Department’s document dump has become ammunition in ongoing battles between powerful figures, but few fights have drawn as much attention as this one. Musk shared records proving Hoffman traveled to Epstein’s private island back in November 2014. Hoffman fired back by highlighting emails where Musk asked about wild parties at that same island. This is a classic case of people in glass houses throwing stones. Both tech leaders maintained relationships with Epstein years after his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting a minor for prostitution made him a registered sex offender. Epstein later faced federal sex-trafficking charges before his death in 2019. The documents paint a particularly troubling picture for Musk, who has repeatedly denied various aspects of his Epstein connection. Back in November 2012, Musk sent an email asking, “What day/night will be the wildest party on your island?” On Christmas Day that same year, he wrote again saying, “I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose.” November 25, 2012 email from Elon Musk to Jeffrey Epstein. Source: Department of Justice Epstein files. Epstein’s response mentioned that “the ratio on my island might make Talilah uncomfortable,” referring to Musk’s then-wife Talulah Riley. Musk quickly replied that “Ratio is not a problem for Talulah.” Yet days later, he backed out, writing that “Logistics won’t work this time around.” The SpaceX situation gets even messier In February 2013, emails show Epstein and multiple assistants were set to tour SpaceX facilities after Musk invited them . Mu sk’s own assistant arranged a lunch meeting between the two men during this visit. On February 26, Epstein thanked Musk for the tour, writing, “you would have had fun at xmas.” Musk’s two-word reply: “I see.” But in 2020, he wrote on social media that “to the best [of] our knowledge, he never toured SpaceX. Don’t know where that comes from.” The emails prove otherwise. Musk has also claimed he never attended any Epstein parties and never flew on his plane. He posted on January 31 saying he has “many times call (sic) for the prosecution of those who have committed crimes with Epstein.” Hoffman’s involvement looks equally bad In September 2014, Epstein’s assistant arranged helicopter transport for Hoffman and MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito to visit the island. Ito resigned fro m Ma ssachusetts Institute of Technology in 2019 when his Epstein ties came out. On Christmas Eve 2014, Hoffman sent Epstein gifts: ice cream “for the girls” and “something that may strike your funny bone for the island.” December 24, 2014 email from Reid Hoffman to Jeffrey Epstein. Source: Department of Justice Epstein files. In January 2015, Hoffman confirmed he sent a metal sculpture as a gift, writing it might “strike your sense of humor” and had “an appropriate nature to the island.” The artwork came from an artist who makes monster sculptures from recycled metal. Hoffman then offered to help with damage control. “Been giving a bit of thought to how I can help with the recent press fu,” he wrote, saying he was “mostly looking for help on the on-line front.” Epstein told him to wait out the storm. Hoffman claimed on February 3 that he knew Epstein through an MIT fundraising relationship he regrets. He admitted to meetings from 2016 to 2018, contradicting his earlier claim they last met in 2015. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
